Windows 7: Microsoft and FOX One to Collaborate on Comedy Show

News Press Release
Microsoft and FOX One to Collaborate on Exclusive Windows 7 Brand Sponsorship of “Family Guy Presents: Seth & Alex’s Almost Live Comedy Show” (Working Title)

Windows 7 to enhance viewing experience of original variety show special airing Sunday, Nov. 8, on FOX; broader multiplatform marketing initiative also encompasses 20th Century Fox Television, Fox Licensing and Merchandising, FOX Sports, FX, FOX.com, FOX Sports on MSN, and Hulu assets.

REDMOND, Wash., and LOS ANGELES — Oct. 13, 2009 — Today, Microsoft Corp. and FOX One announced an ambitious, unique marketing collaboration that will showcase the best of Windows 7, the newest version of Microsoft’s operating system that will be available in market on Oct. 22. The cornerstone of the effort is the exclusive Windows 7 sponsorship of an upcoming television event devoted to the comedy of Seth MacFarlane, creator of “Family Guy,” “American Dad” and “The Cleveland Show.”

Taking the idea of “commercial-free” to the next level, the original FOX variety special “Family Guy Presents: Seth & Alex’s Almost Live Comedy Show,” (working title) airing Sunday, Nov. 8, at 8:30 p.m. EST and PST and starring MacFarlane and his “Family Guy” co-star Alex Borstein, will deliver simplicity for viewers — no commercial ad time, no network promotions and no commercial breaks — and instead will feature unique Windows 7-branded programming that blends seamlessly with show content. In a network first, MacFarlane and Borstein have teamed with Windows and their agencies, Universal McCann and Crispin, Porter + Bogusky, to develop, write and produce the customized branded integrations that seek to bring the old “Texaco Star Theater”-style sponsorships into the 21st century. The half-hour special will highlight the comedy duo’s subversive and unique humor with original animation, live-action performances of “Family Guy’s” most memorable musical numbers, comedy sketches and surprise celebrity guests. That night, FOX turns the reins over to MacFarlane for an all-MacFarlane lineup as he also hosts all-new episodes of his signature animated series.

Sorry, but I gave up cartoons in 1969...

Two of my favorite things in one. I can't imagine anyone with a pulse not finding Family Guy funny, unless they are so uptight their panties are pulled up into their chest cavities. Just because it is animated, doesn't automatically make it childish.